Traffic at Hong Kong International Airport was negatively affected by the global economic downturn which began in the second half of last year. Total passenger throughput fell 6.4% to 23 million, cargo volume dropped 11.5% to 1.68 million tonnes, and air traffic movements dipped 8.5% to 138,600.

However, signs of market stabilisation and recovery have been seen in recent months, particularly in air cargo. In October cargo volume recorded its first growth in 14 months and November figures so far show a strong rebound in cargo services demand.

The authority's Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui said today airline partners are responding to the early signs of recovery by reinstating capacity or routes which have been cut or suspended since the global financial tsunami last year.

Three passenger and 11 freighter airlines have joined the airport or resumed their services since April, adding 18 passenger and 30 all-cargo flights per week. About 90 airlines are now operating from the airport.

Mr Hui said the authority is confident in the airport's long-term prospects as it is well positioned to capitalise on the tremendous growth opportunities arising from the Mainland's robust economy and the increasing economic integration between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta.

Two major facilities, the North Satellite Concourse and the permanent SkyPier, will have soft openings by year's-end. The authority is also working on a study on developing the midfield area to provide extra aircraft stands, apron facilities and a new passenger concourse to accommodate the rise in aviation demand when runway capacity grows to 68 aircraft movements per hour by 2015.

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